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Start giftingThe Shortest History of Democracy
This audiobook uses AI narration.
We’re taking steps to make sure AI narration is transparent.
Learn moreFrom The Shortest History series comes the complete history of democracy, its champions, and its detractors—from the assemblies of ancient Mesopotamia to present perils
This tumultuous global story begins with democracy's radical core idea: We can collaborate, as equals, to determine our own lives and futures. John Keane traces how this concept emerged and evolved, from the earliest "assembly democracies" to European-style electoral democracy to our present system of "monitory democracy." Today, governments answer not only to voters on Election Day, but to intense public scrutiny (monitoring) every day. Keane calls this media- and communication-driven system "the most complex and vibrant form of democracy yet"—but it is not invulnerable.
We live in an age of political and environmental crisis, when despots in China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere reject the promises of power-sharing. At this urgent moment, Keane's book mounts a new defense of a precious global ideal.
John Keane is professor of politics at the University of Sydney and the WZB (Berlin). He is the author of many acclaimed books, including The New Despotism (2020) and To Kill A Democracy: India's Passage To Despotism (2021, with Debasish Roy Chowdhury).
Grant Cartwright has narrated over 100 titles across all genres. A regular voice with Audible, Tantor Media, Podium Audio, Bolinda Publishing, and Audioworks, his warm clarity and adept characterizations place him at the top of the industry. With a natural Australian and flawless British accent, Grant is also proficient in American and many European accents. He lives in New York City with his Fiddle Leaf Figs, his bike, and with his neighborhood romance.